Community Spotlight - John Pincock

Article |
14 October, 2013 - 14:55

Article Date:

4 October, 2013 (All day)

Local artist John Pincock shares his passion for art not only with the students he inspires each day at Morgan High School, but also with the community as well by producing and selling beautiful handmade pieces of pottery. Ironically, while growing up in West Valley, Pincock was not particularly fond of art class. Throughout his time in elementary and junior high, Pincock found he had a hard time compressing 3D objects into two-dimensional projects. That all changed when he enrolled in a high school ceramics class.
The direction of a young student’s life can be shaped by a teacher who is passionate about what is being taught and by using that forum to share some of life’s lessons. Hunter High School art teacher Carl Sundell did more than share artistic techniques with a young student; he paved the way for his future by teaching Pincock many life skills and strengthening his love for creating.
Throughout his time in Sundell’s class, two days stand out with significance for Pincock. The first being at the end of the semester as Mr. Sundell handed out grades. As he did, he asked if Pincock would be back the next semester or if he would have to hunt him down. It was then that Pincock realized his love of ceramics and his desire to continue on. While reminiscing, Pincock recalls another memory of a time he took a finished pinch pot he had created to show Sundell. To his surprise, instead of sharing praises, Sundell responded by asking when he was going to finish it. With that Pincock went back to his desk determined to put his effort into doing the best job he could possibly do. He realized then that he wanted to always give his all and never settle for second best.
After graduating from high school, Pincock went on to Utah State University and began working on a bachelor of fine arts in ceramics. While in the program he realized that although he was passionate about making pots, he wasn’t as interested in the selling aspect at the time. He did, however, find enjoyment in helping others in the class. Because of this interest, he decided to add a dual emphasis onto his program incorporating art education into his educational plan.
Pincock has now been teaching at Morgan High School for eight years. It is a great honor for MHS to have such a talented teacher. He not only shows students the basics, but to him this is a passion which he uses to inspire the students. Whether it be teaching ceramics, sculpture, art foundations or math, he genuinely loves working with the kids. Although his true love is teaching pottery, Pincock fully realizes that he is “not there to teach people to be potters.” He hopes to use this tool to “teach them to problem solve and to appreciate the humanities of being a person, all the while learning creativity.”
With a palpable enthusiasm, Pincock is able to share his knowledge and create amazing objects in the 3D sector, an area than can be hard for many to visualize. He has found something he loves and has been able to make a career out of it, hopefully sharing a little of his love of art with the next generation.
He is trying to share a little of that with his own family. Although they aren’t quite old enough to work the wheel, Pincock’s children-Jacob (11), Spencer (8), Isabella (6), Samantha (5) and Megan (2) have been playing with clay since they could walk. While for now it may be just a fun hobby for them, they are also developing skills that will carry on into their lives. In his spare time, Pincock and his wife Penny have been working on remodeling their home, again showing his dedication to working hard and doing his best.
Along with teaching, Pincock enjoys making and selling pottery. He is especially interested in focusing on utilitarian objects—plates, bowls, mugs, teapots, and lamps are his specialty. As society drifts away from handmade items, he wants to preserve of piece of our hand-crafted legacy.
Pincock’s pottery can be seen at Gallery 25 on Historic 25th street in Ogden. Coming up this Friday, Oct.4, is a great chance to see some of his work along with many other works of art. The First Friday Art Stroll is held the first Friday of each month, opening up a venue for locals to experience, as well as purchase, many handmade pieces. Held year-round, local galleries extend their hours from 6 to 9 p.m. and hold free receptions for the public to attend. For a great date night, what a fun night to be able to go from gallery to gallery enjoying the talents of others. Refreshments are also served.
For those who are not able to make it to the gallery and would like purchasing information or have questions, please contact John Pincock at mountjoypottery@gmail.com.